Manga That Explore the Psychology of Villains

As a seasoned manga enthusiast with a penchant for delving into the depths of human psychology and moral complexities, I must say that the collection of stories presented here is nothing short of captivating. Each narrative, like a carefully crafted tapestry, weaves together themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the gray areas that blur the lines between good and evil.

One of the more fascinating fields of science is psychology. The human mind and how it works offer plenty of insight, from how religious and superstitious behavior forms, to the nature of addiction and how to overcome it. It can also provide a look into what compels people to do certain things, whether they’re deemed good or bad.

Why do people perform selfless acts since it brings obvious advantages like better relationships and respect? However, what transforms someone into a ‘villain’? What led them down this path? Do they see themselves as evil, and if so, how do they attempt to change their ways? These are questions often explored in fiction, with various manga providing insights into the psychology of villains.

10. Multiple Personality Detective Psycho

Dissociative Detective Gradually Uncovers The Cause of Their Condition

Manga That Explore the Psychology of Villains

Creators: Eiji Otsuka (story), Shou Tajima.
24 Volumes, 155 Chapters.
Available in English via Dark Horse Comics.

In fiction, Multiple Personality Disorder is often depicted, but it seldom mirrors the true-life condition known as Dissociative Identity Disorder, where the affected individual forms additional personas due to severe trauma. However, in the series Multiple Personality Detective Psycho, the narrative takes a more imaginative turn after depicting the trauma. For instance, Detective Yosuke Kobayashi, following his girlfriend’s torture and murder, created his ruthless ‘Shinji Nishizono’ persona, who then sought brutal retribution against the perpetrator.

Following his release from prison for a crime he committed, he establishes a private detective agency under the pseudonym ‘Kazuhiko Amamiya’. Together, they delve into an alarming increase of serial killers who share distinct characteristics, hinting at a broader conspiracy. The anime, MPD Psycho, veers away from focusing on DPD and instead explores the intricacies of personality and identity. Yosuke serves as both protagonist and antagonist, yet neither entirely, raising questions about his accountability for these crimes. As the series progresses, it gradually unravels this perplexing enigma, revealing the truth.

9. Tomodachi Game

Student Falls Back into Bad Habits When He Faces Pressure

Manga That Explore the Psychology of Villains

Creators: Mikoto Yamaguchi (story), Yuuki Satou (art).
26 Volumes, 130 Chapters.
Available in English via K Manga.

In another words, does it make sense to retaliate in a dishonorable manner against dishonor? Can an individual completely break away from such actions and move forward unscathed? The anime “Tomodachi Game” explores these questions and many more as Yuichi and his companions are compelled to demonstrate their devotion to each other through a sequence of trials in order to settle one of their excessive debts. Although Yuichi initially values his friends, having them by his side during high school, as the game progresses, he becomes increasingly cold, manipulative, and merciless.

Other friends also hide their personal shadows, opting for deception rather than truth. Yet, Yuichi’s history holds a more profound darkness, driving him to extreme measures as he accepts challenges from the enigmatic ‘Manabu-kun’. Under strain, it’s simple to regress, and when one fails to confront their past, the repercussions heavily impact Yuichi.

8. Funouhan

Amoral Assassin Acts as a Tool for Clients In Return for Seeing Their Downfall

Creators: Arata Miyatsuki (story), Yuuya Kanzaki (art).
12 Volumes, 83 Chapters.
Fan Translations only. Available in French via Delcourt, and Brazilian Portuguese via Panini Comics.

Series in anthology format frequently explore themes of people committing evil acts and the repercussions they face. Shows such as The Twilight Zone, Tales of the Unexpected, Hell Girl, The Black/Laughing Salesman, and others present numerous episodes that depict whether the villain escapes justice or experiences immediate retribution. In the realm of manga, one often overlooked example is Funouhan, also known as Impossibility Defense. This series focuses on Tadashi Usobuki, a hitman who carries out his missions without charge and leaves no trace, but each story offers a unique twist on the consequences of his actions.

He manages this without using guns, knives, poison, or any other direct method. Instead, he’ll manipulate them into taking themselves out, be it by hypnotizing them directly, or changing their circumstances until they’re gaslit into taking their own lives. He does it for free because he finds “the folly of mankind” to be payment enough, as his clients often end up worse off than when they hired him. Tadashi is no angel, but who’s worse: the killer or the person asking them to kill? In Funouhan, it’s not an easy question to answer.

7. Aku no Kyouten

Japanese Psycho

Creators: Yusuke Kishi (original novel), Eiji Karasuyama (art).
9 Volumes, 36 Chapters.
Fan Translations only.

An effective method of illustrating the intricacies of villainy could involve narrating the story from the antagonist’s point of view, much like in “Aku no Kyouten“. This series focuses on Seiji Hasumi, who appears to be an exemplary teacher, ever ready to assist his students with their needs. However, appearances can often be misleading, as beneath his charming exterior lies a high-functioning psychopath, bent on transforming Machida High into his own dominion.

In a different phrasing: Horror films often portray psychopaths as crazed murderers, but this isn’t entirely true. Psychopaths are characterized by their lack of empathy and remorse, along with intelligence and a large ego. Characters like Michael Myers, Jason, and Freddy Krueger fit this description because they can cold-bloodedly kill people without feeling any guilt. Therefore, when Hasumi faces annoying students who might jeopardize his schemes, he welcomes the opportunity to eliminate them permanently.

6. Blood on the Tracks

Mother Abuses Her Child for Emotional Satisfaction

Creator: Shuzo Oshimi.
17 Volumes, 153 Chapters.
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA.

It takes more than a mental condition to turn someone into a villain. For many, it’s something they have to overcome with extensive therapy, which isn’t always available. Even getting diagnosed can be tricky, which might be why few people were concerned about Seiko in Blood on the Tracks until it was too late. On the outside, she seems like a doting mother to her son, Seiichi. But inside, she’s a sociopath who controls her son’s life through blackmail, stalking, and overstepping boundaries in order to feel fulfilled.

Although she appears to adore her son and openly expresses it, her actions are primarily motivated by obtaining what she desires. Unlike most parents who would do anything for their children, she compels Seiichi to undertake efforts to safeguard herself, which in turn worsens his life. He grapples with the dilemma of whether to disclose that she was the one who attempted to harm his cousin Shige, not her. This narrative creates a chilling effect that leaves readers uncomfortable for a prolonged period, even surpassing the unsettling impact of the goriest horror comics.

5. Berserk

The Ends Justify the Means, But Can’t Fill an Empty Heart

Creator: Kentaro Miura. Continued by Studio Gaga and Kouji Mori.
42+ Volumes, 391+ Chapters.
Available in English via Dark Horse Comics.

A wise man, be it Buddha or Sideshow Bob, said that life was suffering and the cause of suffering is desire. It often forms the root of ambition, driving people to do extraordinary things. But some ambitions are crueler and more cunning than others, where using and abusing one’s peers can be fair game if they get results. One of the best examples in manga is Griffith, the main villain in Berserk. He wasn’t shy about his intentions to build his own kingdom, nor the lengths that he’d go to in order to achieve that.

However, he holds mixed emotions towards the individuals involved in his schemes, as Guts is both a valuable mercenary and a cherished friend. Thus, when Guts won their duel and gained freedom, it left a profound impact on him. In a single moment, he lost his top fighter, his friend, and his reputation as the supreme warrior. This led him to self-destruct and make the extreme choice of sacrificing his comrades’ lives to transform into a demon, with the hope of eventually claiming the kingdom he yearned for. Despite this, he continues to yearn for what he relinquished in pursuit of his ambition.

4. Death Note

The Deadly Combination of Egotism and Power over Life and Death

Creators: Tsugumi Ohba (story), Takeshi Obata (art).
12 Volumes, 108 Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media.

In fictional narratives, it’s often noted that the most compelling villains are those who genuinely believe their actions are justified, no matter how morally questionable they may seem. This idea is also reflected in the saying that unchecked power leads to corruption without exception. The anime Death Note provides a compelling illustration of both these concepts, as without the titular notebook, Light Yagami would merely be an ordinary high school student. However, with the book, he develops a belief in his ability to assume divine powers and establish a new world order where criminals like murderers and rapists face swift justice. This character could possibly have leanings towards Ayn Rand’s philosophy, objectivism, or 4chan culture.

But he isn’t a god. He’s a teenager with a superiority complex that’s been made worse because he found a shinigami’s notebook. But he’s so devoted to his cause, and so wrapped up in his godly Kira identity, that he sees anyone trying to stop him as culpable as the worst criminals. After all, they’re trying to expose him and stop him from trying to make a better world. By taking away his delusions of grandeur and his book, he thinks he has little to offer, so they end up on his long list of victims.

3. Monster

Getting Twisted by Nature and Nurture Can Produce The Most Volatile Villains

Creator: Naoki Urasawa.
18 Volumes, 162 Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media.

In various narratives, villains have spanned from individuals struggling with their deepest impulses (such as in Tomodachi Game), to those who fully embrace them for the sake of power (as seen in Berserk and Death Note). Some believe their actions are justified by a higher purpose, whereas others are indifferent to the morality, as long as they achieve personal satisfaction – much like Johan Liebert from Monster or Hasumi. The former is a psychopath who sees all life as insignificant due to its inherent mortality.

As a character in this game, I embody Johan, who seems to be the antithesis of Dr. Tenma. Unlike him, I don’t find value in life and instead, I strive to challenge his beliefs by causing harm and destruction to as many people as possible, in ways that are cold and methodical. My twisted perspectives have roots in my upbringing; I was an orphanage test subject, but it’s questionable if those circumstances alone could forge a monster like me. The regime under which we lived likely exacerbated my inherent conditions, transforming me into the monstrous figure that I am today. Hartmann, the former director, harbors doubts about this as well, suggesting that our upbringing might not have been the sole factor in creating a killing machine like myself.

2. A Silent Voice

Villainous Behavior Can Be Overcome

Creator: Yoshitoki Ooima.
7 Volumes, 64 Chapters.
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA.

In tougher, gritty narratives, karma often manifests as swift and/or severe retribution, such as Seiko’s mistreatment in “Blood on the Tracks” or Light realizing that he had been the butt of jokes all along in “Death Note”. However, it can also present in more illuminating ways, like in “A Silent Voice”, where Shoya was one of the instigators in bullying Shoko, a deaf new student. Later, when the principal discovered what was happening, he was singled out as the main culprit responsible for her suffering.

Shoko attempted to lend aid, yet Shoko reacted aggressively and pushed her away, exacerbating his predicament. Consequently, he was transferred to another school where his history of being a bully had already tarnished his image, leaving him isolated. Now older and battling depression, he yearns to reconcile with Shoko before taking his own life. However, much like how he was punished for his past bullying acts, he found redemption in trying to make amends by experiencing the pain of being on the receiving end. It’s not necessary to destroy or condemn villains to convey a moral lesson; they too can evolve and improve as individuals.

1. Our Happy Time

It Takes More Than Crime to Be Evil

Creators: Gong Ji-Young (original novel), Sumomo Yumeka (art).
1 Volume, 8 Chapters.
Fan Translations only.

Titled “Our Moment,” this narrative strays from the typical psychological crime or horror genre. Instead, it’s an adaptation of a Korean novel by Gong Ji-Young that centers around two individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts: Juri, a despairing woman, and Yuu, a convicted murderer on death row who has attempted suicide numerous times within prison walls. Despite efforts by Juri’s aunt and others to reach him, he remains indifferent. To an outsider, it might seem that since the state plans to execute him anyway, Yuu should embrace death.

As a gamer, I’ve been drawn into a captivating manga that challenges my perspectives on morality. It underscores the idea that criminals are deserving of empathy, for it takes more than committing heinous acts to be truly wicked. Just as it takes more to be good than merely following the law. In this gritty tale, I follow the story of Yuu, a man pushed to the edge by circumstances, who initially intended to take only one life – a ruthless gang leader known for causing pain. However, in a cruel twist of fate, he unintentionally takes the lives of an innocent mother and her daughter during his pursuit.

2024-12-08 09:34